Leslie Lee Coone

Leslie L. Coone was born at Riesel, Texas, on April 15, 1924, the son of Clyde S. and Mary Coone. He was educated in the public schools in Riesel and Waco, graduating from Waco High School in 1941. He served in the 15th Army Air Force in Italy following several assignments in the United States.

On March 22, 1946, he married Nina Allison of Waco, Texas. They have one daughter, Mrs. John H. (Linda) Whitney, and one son James C. Coone. They have two grandsons, Troy and Chad Whitney, and two granddaughters, Stacy and Kimberly Coone, all of whom reside in Arlington, Texas.

Companion Coone is employed as an Engineer for the Vaught Corporation in Dallas, and is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington.

Masonic History

Raised a Master Mason in Arlington Lodge No. 438, Arlington, Texas, on September 28, 1962; served as Worshipful Master in 1971-1972. He also served the Lodge as a member and Chairman of its Building Committee, and is a Life Member. In 1975, he was appointed to the Grievances and Appeals Committee No. 3 of the M:W: Grand Lodge of Texas and served as Chairman in 1976 and 1977.

Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Arlington Chapter No. 376, R.A.M., Arlington, Texas, on September 22, 1963, and served as High Priest in 1968-69. He is a Life Member of the Chapter and has served as its Secretary since 1973. He served the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas as District Deputy Grand High Priest of the 17th Capitular District in 1972. He was appointed as the first Chairman of the Grand Chapter Membership Committee and served as such in 1970 and 1971. Serving as Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina near the Grand Chapter of Texas. He was elected Grand Scribe of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas in 1979, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1980 and was elected and installed as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 1981 and served during the year 1982.

Greeted in Arlington Council No. 314, R&SM, Arlington, Texas on September 29, 1963, and served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1967-1968. He is a Life Member of the Council and has served as its Recorder since l973. He served the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas as Grand Marshal in 1974, and as Chairman of the Committee on Purposes and Policies. Served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 17th Cryptic District in 1979.

Knighted in Arlington Commandery No. 107, K.T., Arlington, Texas, and served as Commander in 1974. He is a Life Member and has served as Treasurer since 1975. He served as a member of the Texas Library Committee of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas in 1975 and as Chairman in 1976 and 1977. He is a Life Sponsor in the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.

Received the Scottish Rite Degrees in the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies February 15th through March 9th, 1963, and was invested a Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1973. He was a petitioner for and a Charter Member of the Fort Worth Bodies where he served as Co-Chairman, Reunion Directors, 18th Degree Master and Secretary of two 14th Degrees. He is on the Membership Committee and is a Past President of the Arlington Scottish Rite Club.

He is a member of Moslah Shrine Temple in Fort Worth, Texas; member of the Order of High Priesthood and is serving as Master of Ceremonies; member of the Order of Silver Trowel, serving as Registrar; he has received the Honorary Degree of Super Excellent Master; is a member of the York Rite College; member of the Royal Order of Scotland; and a life member of the Knights York Cross of Honour.

He has served as a member of the Arlington DeMolay Chapter Advisory Board and been invested with the DeMolay Honorary Legion of Honour. He is presently serving the Tarrant County York Rite Association as Secretary, Assistant Festival Director, and Program Chairman. He is a Past President of the Tarrant County Past Presiding Officers Association and Certificate Men’s Association; and Past Secretary of the Chapter and Council Officers Association.

Obituary

Leslie L. Coone, 86, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011, in Arlington. Service: 1 p.m. Thursday in Arlington Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Arlington Funeral Home. Mr. Coone was born April 15, 1924, to Clyde S. Coone and Mary B. Coone in Riesel. He was a member and past master of Masonic Lodge #438 Arlington, past grand high priest and grand master of Grand Council. He was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite and a recipient of the Golden Trowel. Survivors: Wife, Nina Coone; daughter, Linda Miller and husband, David; son, Jim Coone and wife Gaye; grandchildren, Stacy Harrison, Kimberly Powell and husband, Mike, Troy Whitney, Chad Whitney and wife, Sheila; stepgrandchildren, Amber Armour and husband, Don, and Jeramey Miller and wife, Elise; and nine great-grandchildren.

Source: Published in Star-Telegram on January 19, 2011